FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Whitwood Hall, Paladines

RAESE

Raese had barely eaten the last few days. So, filled with anticipation he was too restless. He’d called off his peasants and now went out in the morning to greet the silky white beast that rushed from the woods to meet him.

“Good Morning, Old Friend.” He greeted Snowman with a pat on the head. Sitting on the grass so Snowman could lie next to him. Raese stroked his back while he talked to him as he used to do. Absorbed with his most recent dream. He’d dreamt of a treasure worn around his neck.

A pendant. Capable of glowing and heating upon the Captain’s summoning. He recalled getting a sense of what direction to go and who needed him.

It was our connection. We could call to each other.

If I’m Raese Merlinus, why was I pretending to be Lord Whiting? That was now the only piece remaining.

He intended to meet with Rodger Barnes this afternoon and the Widow Leslie Parker tomorrow to see what pieces they could supply.

I don’t care to see her. Thinking of Leslie Parker and having to speak to her now seemed a repugnant proposition.

Unendurable nearly. He groaned aloud. Hoping Calisto wouldn’t think anything ontoward.

She already knows I betrayed her with the widow…Before I knew what Calisto was to me. The guilt was gnawing.

I don’t know how I’ll ever make amends to her. When I gave her my vows I meant them. I didn’t know…

I just couldn’t remember them. It was a bone deep ache boreing through him. I’ll have to confess these sins to my wife one day.

Rising he dusted off the back of his pants and gave the top of Snowman’s head a couple soft pats to send him on his way.

With a whimper, Snowman was off. A streak of white heading back into the woods. He’s watched over me for years.

Raese knew now. And I had my servants meeting him with pitchforks.

I have much to make amends for. He walked up to his chambers on leaden feet. Walking to his chamber he hesitantly crossed the room to the mantle. Where he kept the only item, he’d had when Rodger Barnes had picked him up so many years ago.

Naked and bloody. Wearing only one thing…

He pulled down the box and opened it. Revealing a length of silver chain with a sword embraced by a coiling dragon. My pendant.

Lifting it reverently he lowered it over his head and fingered the familiar metal. Memorizing the texture of it in his fingertips. It was a heady sensation to know that if he used it now, he could call to all his brethren. Whoever is still alive will come to me.

They’ll know I’m here.

And for the first time he wondered what they thought. Do they think I’m dead? It was highly likely.

No one has heard from me in decades. He drew a long breath.

I’m coming back to all of you soon. Very soon…

Continued in BOOK THIRTEEN.

FOREVER KNIGHTS: Salvaging Souls